Thought by some to be the next Godzilla, the new millennium’s king of all monster movies, Cloverfield is arguably a loosely-based modern interpretation of Godzilla but does not rank in status with its 54-year-old predecessor.
The film documents the lives of five young New Yorkers in the midst of a science fictional disaster. Given the number four slot at the box office, Cloverfield’s revenue is somewhat less than expected.
Michael Stahl-David makes his debut on the big screen as
the main character, Rob Hawkins, a 20-something romantic, who embarks on a rescue mission into the city to save his long-time love. The damsel in distress, Beth, is played by Odette Juliette Yustman from Transformers. As Hawkins makes his way through the subway tunnels, scarcely escaping death, a colossal creature causes chaos and carnage on the streets of Manhattan.
Rather than perpetuating as the next generation’s cult classic, Cloverfield will seldom and simply be remembered as the motion picture that beheaded Lady Liberty.
Cloverfield can be much appreciated for its classic romantic themes and pragmatical story-telling, but is not for movie-goers anticipating a dynamic monster flick.
Though sufficient in its suspense, Cloverfield is not an action-packed thriller as is Rambo, also in theaters this week.
Those easily visually disoriented should avoid this film due to its Blair-Witch approach in directing.
The continuous movement of the hand-held camera can cause motion sickness and/or dizziness.
The $25-million budget shows in the exceptional special effects. The monster of Cloverfield is frighteningly realistic in comparison to most classic movie monsters.
Cloverfield is a superb couples’ film but lacks the element of surprise. However, it is not distinguishable from other monster motion pictures produced many times before.
